Thursday, January 19, 2012

Square One Shooting for Spring Opening at 1400 S. Michigan

Late in December of 2011, we heard some rumblings and got confirmation that a new "tavern" was moving in at the Northwest corner of Michigan and 14th (1400 S. Michigan). We didn't have a ton of information then, but a reader recently sent us a link to a Metromix post about "Square One":
This South Loop lounge, adorned with 30-foot high ceilings and reclaimed wood floors, will feature a focus on classic craft cocktails--such as old fashioneds and bloody marys--when it opens in spring 2012. Patrons will be able to pull up a seat at the 23-foot cement bar and have the bartender mix up a drink based on their favorite ingredients--or sample vino via wine dispensers that allow you to purchase amounts ranging from an ounce to a glass. Nibbles include cheese pairings, meats and light sandwiches; an area called "the living room," outfitted with a u-shaped couch, fireplace and TV, can be reserved for private parties.
Definitely seems a little different than what we imagined when we heard "tavern", but in reality it seems like a different concept and hopefully something unique for the neighborhood. We've been monitoring the build-out from the outside and from what we can tell it appears that there has been a lot of progress. A spring open seems aggressive, but we hope that happens.

(Hat tip: Anon!)

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like it is in the wrong neighborhood, this is a younger area first time home owners and renters. This sounds like it will be expensive and just a place to get a cocktail and not a place to go for the game or other sorts of entertainment. Sounds like a bad investment for this neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

Great week for SL! Broad Shoulders article in Chicago Journal stating that they are opening more a standard bar vs tasting room; a more intimate bar for 1400 S Michigan(which I have been asking for!), Green Line stop at Cermak & even more development for the new Velvet Lounge who are actually putting some love into the place vs the hole in the wall it was before.

Steven said...

Told ya..

Anonymous said...

Wait, you mean something that's not a sports bar with 500 TV screens opening up in the South Loop??? I don't understand the concept, please explain.....?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a nice addition to the neighborhood and our building. It's always key to have a classy bar nearby to have a cocktail at after a long workday or when you have friends in town. I'm excited.

Anonymous said...

Even first time home owners would like more options then beer and average bar food. I can't wait for this new option and am willing to pay a little more for a nice glass of wine and some more interesting "bar food" choices. Woo hoo!!

Broomy said...

aaaand cue the grandma Scout bashing...

"oh boy too many tv's hurts my eyes!!"

Anonymous said...

who said scout? I believe you were the first to mention it.

Anonymous said...

Great addition and would love a new place for drinks once the weather turns....

Broomy said...

Great, more Broomy's on Sloopin. If your going to post under my name, at least say something worthwhile.

Broomy said...

Some Troll posting under my name, I think it's a great addition to the neighborhood, so is the Scout, not that it has anything to do with this post.

H said...

Anon @ 8:55am....What are you talking about? The Sloop has PLENTY of sports bars/casual burger spots..Scout (which I do like), Krolls, Weathermark, Jimmy Greens, Villians, Bar Louie etc etc. This is exactly the type of place we need. The Sloop isn't a cheap place to live, aside from the college kids, most young professionals and older baby boomers have money to spend. Unfortunately we don't have many middle of the road options, it's either casual bar or upscale dining. We need more diverse establishments like on Randolph's restaurant row. This place sounds great!

Allen said...

H - are you new to this Blog? We learned to ignore stupid comments like Anon 8:55am. This place sounds more than great.

MarkChicago said...

@H (who is probably a Mom)

Settle down, it's called sarcasm.


This is great news, sounds unique & interesting. We need some places that people will talk about and seek out.

Anonymous said...

So excited about this! I've been waiting for a spot like this to open in our neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

better enjoy it now before Dowell has the south loop turned into the new bronzeville

Casper said...

This is great news. Will be able to enjoy for a few years until new lines and Alderman take effect. My places will be sold before Dowell can get her hands on the Sloop.

Anonymous said...

There will be new voting at the end of 2014 (based on the new map), you will have your choices then. We have 3 years to get continue to get things done. God knows who will be running for the 3rd and 4th ward then. Anyway, this is exactly the type of place we need.

James said...

Anyone figure out that the north/west corner of Michigan and 14th is a parking lot?

Anonymous said...

James, good point. Let's get another traffic light then!

Allen said...

Really excited to hear this type of venue coming in. Is the developer's son still behind this project?

Anonymous said...

If the developer has anything to do with it we'll probably be paying its taxes like we do for all of his unsold units in the building. I don't want to be reminded of our corrupt Board at all when I'm enjoying a nice cocktail.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:54...We are in one of the only good buildings in the Sloop stop your fantasy slander. If you were too stupid to have an attorney at your closing then thats your fault. I have properties all over the city and this is one of the few buildings there is nothing to worry about. Lower assessments two years in a row is unheard of in these times. Over 500k in reserves after just a few years. Dont let the geek and viper brainwash you, thank goodness they are gone.

Anonymous said...

Mmm...that response seems harsh. Are you implying that the developer actively screwed over owners whose lawyers weren't sharp enough to catch the ruse?

Anonymous said...

The small group of people known as the "Concerned owners of Tower 2" have a mutual vendetta against the developer because they paid some closing costs that people who had attorneys at closings didnt have to pay. Standard operating procedures. No swindling of any kind occurred. If you were too naive or cheap to bring an attorney to your closing, that is on no one but yourself. These people slandered the reputation of developer, board members and the reputation of the building sending out letters. I dont wish to have letters slipped under the doors of my units for my renters to read the building business. Especially when its not true and negative. Its a very healthy building with low assessments, great board and good management. Be happy you bought here stop causing problems and enjoy the Sloop as it grows.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha, such tough talk for an anonymous blog post. I am entitled to my own opinion and if you want to insult my intelligence for it you're speaking volumes about your own character.

"I dont wish to have letters slipped under the doors of my units for my renters to read the building business." Why not?! Are you one of those in bed with the developer? What are you so afraid of?

I can voice my opinion whenever I please and don't tell me to "stop causing problems" as if I'm a child. Your blatant over-explanations are an obvious sign you were exposed.

Anonymous said...

And who may I ask are the "geek and viper" you refer to?

Are you honestly insulting former board members in a sadly childish manner or is this a descriptive phrase I am unfamiliar with?

Nothing says "I am sophisticated, take me seriously" like calling another adult a geek. What a joke.

Anonymous said...

HE'S BASICALLY TELLING YOU TO SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP. Frankily I can't blame him.

Casper said...

In bed with the developer how? Are you retarded the building was turned over 2 years ago. He has no connection here. Nothing to do with anything going on. I own over 300,000 sq ft of commercial and residential real estate in cook county and some to the north. I see buildings dying everywhere. Associations going bankrupt and people paying 1000/m for a 700sqft 1 bedroom unit. You people have no idea how a building is run or how developers operate. If you think they did anything wrong, have fun with your next purchase. You clearly have no business sense if you think soliciting and baseless slander is legal. By slipping false claims under my door for my renters to read on private property you are directly interfering with my investment. Sorry for not posting my name last time. Im always up for a good debate etc. See you at the next board meeting.

Anonymous said...

Casper, you're right. Only the classiest businessmen accuse others of being "retarded." I bet you feel good about accusing random anonymous people on the internet of having "no business sense."

Casper said...

Ive been to board meetings in a good majority of Chicago's high rises. Some as an owner/investor and others as a consultant. I never have seen a building as healthy as this one have the type of crazy accusations against a developer and association board like this one. There is a very small radical group of rookie buyers in this building causing trouble for a building that is primarily owner occupied. It is very frustrating to deal with unnecessary problems in a healthy building. You are right however, I should not have used such a simple word. My accusations are not random, I chose not to put names out for public record. Fortunately the public financial records of this building speak for themselves and the building is in great shape. I wish the best for all Sloop residents and investors, this really is a unique neighborhood with tremendous upside.

Anonymous said...

Casper youre a one sided jerk who is in bed with the developers....I will see you a-holes in court

Casper said...

You wont see me in court, I have no connection. So sad "anon" so sad

Casper the friendly ghost said...

you originally posted as an "anon" casper so those cute little quotes you used arent very damning.

Get real

Anonymous said...

( silence from casper)

love it

Casper said...

I enjoy good educated business conversation, speaking about things that could help unit owners and useful info about the sloop. Your childish sayings don't interest me. I care about the health of a building not individuals losing their deposits and rookie mistakes. I will see you at the next board meeting if you care to debate further. I have no interest in polluting this blog or speaking to you without seeing you face to face. Best wishes

Anonymous said...

i'd like it noted that casper has threatened me...